Looking to add a touch of elegance and architectural detail to your home? Crown molding may be the perfect solution. This ornamental trim can completely transform the look and feel of both primary rooms and forgotten spaces.
In this article, you’ll discover suggestions for 12 rooms that would benefit from crown molding – some obvious like the dining room, and some you may not have considered like the basement. For each space, you’ll find tips on optimal placement to accent focal points and frame architectural details. We’ll provide design guidance on choosing the right style, proportions, and color paint ideas to match your home’s aesthetic.
With the help of inspiring photos, you’ll be able to visualize how crown molding can take your living room, bedroom, and more to the next level. You’ll also learn what to avoid, like using crown molding in every room or selecting the wrong size.
Read on to explore how this decorative trim detail can add visual interest, draw the eye up, and give your home a polished, upscale look and added value.
Tips for when installing crown molding
Contents
- Focus crown molding on central, high-traffic areas of the home first like the living room, dining room, and kitchen where it will have maximum impact.
- Use crown molding strategically to frame or accent key architectural elements and focal points in each room like fireplaces, built-ins, or windows.
- Select a crown molding profile and proportions that match the home’s existing trim and style for a cohesive, custom look.
- Consider painting the crown molding a slightly different color than the walls or ceiling to add contrast and make it stand out.
- Pair crown molding with complementary trim like baseboards, window trim, and wainscoting for a layered, finished appearance.
Living Room
The living room is often one of the most-used spaces in a home. It’s where family and friends gather to relax, socialize, and entertain. Crown molding is an excellent way to elevate the design of your living room and make it feel warmer and more inviting.
When designing your living room, use crown molding to create separation between the walls and ceiling. This helps define the architecture and brings attention to the proportions of the space. Crown molding also nicely frames built-ins, windows, and focal points like the fireplace.
Select a crown molding style that matches the home’s architectural style and complements other trim work in the home like baseboards. For a cohesive look, paint the crown molding the same color as the walls or ceiling. Or make it a statement by selecting a contrasting color.
Dining Room
Much like the living room, the dining room is often used to host family meals and entertain guests. Crown molding is the perfect way to add visual interest and sophistication to your dining space.
Use crown molding strategically in the dining room to accent light fixtures, frame windows, and draw the eye to the gorgeous wood table that serves as the focal point. Match the color of the trim to the walls or ceiling for a seamless look. For a bit more drama, paint the crown molding a darker shade than the walls.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the workhorse room of the home. It’s where meals are prepared and family and friends congregate. Adding crown molding to your kitchen instantly gives it a custom, high-end look.
Use crown molding to bridge the gap between the tops of the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. This technique makes the cabinets appear like they are custom built-ins. For a cohesive, seamless look, select a crown molding profile that complements the cabinet trim.
Crown molding can also be used on top of open shelves or an island to add architectural detail. Paint the crown molding white for a classic look or match it to the cabinetry for a more uniform appearance.
Primary Bedroom
You spend nearly a third of your life sleeping in the bedroom, so this personal space should feel warm, inviting and peaceful. Crown molding adds an elegant detail that makes the primary bedroom feel more luxurious.
Use crown molding to accent tray ceilings or flank the perimeter of the room where the walls meet the ceiling. This frames the space beautifully. Crown molding also nicely accents the area around the bed, creating an architectural focal point.
For a bedroom, stick with neutral white or off-white crown molding. Or select a shade that is slightly darker or lighter than the wall color. Stay away from bold colors in the bedroom for a relaxing vibe.
Bathrooms
Even small bathrooms can benefit from the addition of crown molding. This trim piece makes any bathroom feel instantly more spacious, polished and put-together.
Use crown molding in the bathroom to frame mirror fronts and drawers, accentuate the transition between the wall and ceiling, or trim out a tray ceiling. Consider pairing crown molding with other architectural details like wainscoting or beadboard.
Paint the molding white or match it to the wall color for a seamless look. Glossy paint on the trim is ideal for the humid environment and easier to keep clean.
Home Office
If you work from home, you likely spend a great deal of time in your home office space. Make this functional room feel more inspiring by installing crown molding.
Use crown molding to add architectural detail and connect the walls to the ceiling. This makes the home office feel more purposefully designed. Crown molding also draws the eye upward, which makes small home office spaces appear larger and taller.
Pair crown molding with built-in shelving, window trim, and baseboards for a cohesive look. Neutral white or off-white crown molding promotes concentration in the home office.
Hallways
Hallways are often overlooked, but they are seen by everyone who enters the home. Crown molding is an impactful way to elevate the design of any hallway.
Use crown molding to edge the tops of the walls where they meet the ceiling. This frames the hallway beautifully and adds elegance as you move from room to room. Crown molding also pairs nicely with wainscoting or board and batten details in the hallway.
Paint the crown molding white or match it to the wall color for a clean, seamless appearance. Contrasting molding can also make hallways feel more fun and lively.
Entryway
The entryway provides guests their very first impression of your home. Crown molding in the entryway conveys quality craftsmanship and design right from the start.
Use crown molding to create an inviting frame around the entryway. Complement with trim pieces around doors, windows, floors and ceilings for a polished look. Don’t forget the crown molding under staircases and on stair stringers too.
White, off-white, or beige crown molding suits most entryways. But don’t be afraid to make a statement with a bold color here. The entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home.
Media Room
Take your home theater or media room to the next level by incorporating crown molding into the design. This architectural detail makes the media room feel like a real movie theater.
Use crown molding to accent the edges of the ceiling and highlight any architectural nooks or unique ceiling details. Molding paired with dimmable rope lighting around the edges of the ceiling creates a cool ambiance.
Paint the molding a dark color like black or charcoal gray to absorb light and prevent reflections on the screen. Or opt for a pop of color to make the media room more lively and fun.
Kids’ Rooms & Playrooms
Crown molding seems like the last thing you would want in a child’s room where walls are inevitably damaged. But this architectural trim piece actually protects walls by preventing toys and other objects from hitting drywall.
In a kid’s room or play area, opt for crown molding made of durable PVC or plastic that withstands dings and dents. Use it to accent ceiling edges or frame architectural details like tray ceilings. Clean white molding brightens up kids’ spaces.
Basement
Even basement spaces should not be overlooked when it comes to elegant trim and molding. Crown molding transforms dreary basements into stylish, livable spaces.
In basements, crown molding expertly hides imperfection along the edges of the ceiling and makes the space feel more like part of the home. Use it to frame media rooms, wet bars, lounge areas, or a cozy sleeping space. Neutral, dirt-resistant molding is best for basements.
Should You Add Crown Molding?
Crown molding can instantly take your home’s design to the next level. But before installing, consider if it fits your home’s architectural style. Crown molding suits traditional home styles like Craftsman, Farmhouse, and Victorian. It can work in transitional spaces with the right modern style. But crown molding often feels out of place in ultra-contemporary homes.
If you decide to add crown molding, take time to select the right profile and proportions. Measure carefully and account for uneven ceilings and walls. And don’t forget about matching trim pieces like baseboards and window trim for a cohesive finished look. The end result will be well worth the investment in terms of added beauty and value.
